A Cross-Sectional Study to Assess Mass Drug Administration Programme for Lymphatic Filariasis in an Endemic District of Jharkhand, India, 2024.

Mayank  Raj; Rinkey  Gupta; Prerna; Nikhil  Nishant; Qamrul Hasan  Khan

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2548

Authors

Mayank Raj Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Namkum, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India.
Rinkey Gupta Senior Resident, Department of Pharmacology, Medinirai Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, Jharkhand, India
Prerna Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Medinirai Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, Jharkhand, India
Nikhil Nishant Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Medinirai Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, Jharkhand, India
Qamrul Hasan Khan Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Medinirai Medical College and Hospital, Palamu, Jharkhand, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2548

Keywords:

Lymphatic filariasis, Mass drug administration, Coverage, Compliance, Jharkhand

Abstract

Background:

Lymphatic filariasis remains a major public health problem in India. Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is a key strategy for its elimination.
Objectives:

To assess coverage, compliance, and factors affecting drug consumption during MDA in an endemic district of Jharkhand.
Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Garhwa district in April 2024 among 600 households selected using cluster sampling. Data were collected from 2,871 individuals using a prevalidated questionnaire. Socio-demographic variables such as age, gender, and occupation were recorded.
Results:

Of 2,871 individuals, 2,740 were eligible for MDA. Among them, 2,594 (94.67%) received drugs, and 2,578 (89.79%) consumed them. Non-compliance (n=16) was mainly due to fear of side effects and personal reasons. A total of 146 individuals did not receive drugs due to absence or the distributor's non-visit.
Conclusion:

The MDA programme achieved adequate coverage and compliance. However, gaps in drug distribution and misconceptions about side effects persist.
Recommendations:

Strengthening community awareness, improving drug distributor training, and ensuring revisit strategies can enhance programme effectiveness.

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